Halloween is upon this sleepy hamlet, 

rain dabbles on the roof, 

wait for a clearing day to venture, 

wearing our waterproofs.

 Thinking of starting a tramping group in the top end of the coast, 

perfect venue ... Kahurangi National Park.

 Any thoughts how I can go about this ?

  friends interested to join the walks, greatly received.

 Dust off your boots, shake out your packs

Beard Foot Tramping Club

Karamea

Just an Idea?

 weekend excursion.

    We are so looking forward to a weekend away to walk the Heaphy Track, a Great Walk in the Kahurangi National Park.

 Novice trampers need equipment, some new, other items used, well worn boots for comfort, good raincoat, first aid kit, warm sleeping bag and a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, dried fruit, nuts and chocolate and whatever else you desire to carry.

  Day one to complete 17 km journey to the Heaphy Hut, our home for two nights. 
Where we may explore surroundings, fish for dinner, swim if we feel the urge or just be ... unwind before a busy season and experience the outdoors.

 Training the body and mind to live in nature, listen and feel the environment, seek shelter, forage and gather, survival experience. lessons to be learnt.

 3 weeks to train ...

The first post for 2013,

 Karamea Connections... movement of the people... in the Karamea area, pick up from the Heaphy Track at the Kohaihai Shelter.
 Rongo Backpackers is doing well with most nights full, reservations for double rooms are essential, dorms are available, to avoid disappointment book ahead.
 Karamea Farm Baches are busy as normal for this time of year, family groups enjoy the summer times fishing and basking in the sun.
 Permaculture farm is growing fast, with PDC course planned for May, vegetables in abundance to feed the masses staying and working for the LivinginPeace Project.

 So much has happened in the past 6 months... will continue to blog next month, when time allows...

 Peace and Love

rain is important

Winter is here and Spring is close by, with bulbs flowering yellow and white blooms, gardens and fields are alive once more.

 At the beginning of the road Karamea is a subtropical haven, Oparara Basin and the surrounding Kahurangi National Park is a great playground for outdoor pursuits, mountain biking the Heaphy Track from 01 May to 30 September yearly (trial of the second year, one year to go, track upgrades are in place and continuing to improve the huts).

 I have met many fishermen and fisherwomen, and they all have a story to tell of great challenge, be it Brown Trout or Kahawai, Schnapper and Shark, and even Whitebait.

 The rain is important, it keeps the dust down, fills our tanks with sweet aqua, waters our gardens and cleans the air.
 Remedy for cabin fever, coats and umbrellas, gumboots or sandals, I prefer barefeet and get out there and enjoy what is to offer.

 See you soon ish

new look

Tramping is not my focus for the immediate few months,

 Rongo Winter Games, Petanque, Hackysack, Chinlone, bbq, firebath, sunsets, a fun place the be and live for 1 week this tranquil oasis of rainforest and beaches deserted on some days, chess, backgammon, cards, and puzzles by the firebox, bring your music, and experience ... Rongo Solstice party, you make it happen

 Be there

 When is winter solstice, garlic planting.

walks in the Kahurangi National Park

amble ... Nikau Walk follows the Kohaihai River and back to the Heaphy Track near the swingbridge.

good stroll ... Fenian Track a gentle climb to reach the caves, torch and tramping boots recommended, Oparara Valley Track branches to the left continue straight to Adams Flat and gold workings. Replica slab hut for overnight stays.

 challenge ... Mt Stormy on a clear day is worth the climb, through rainforest to a tussock ridge 360 degree views, 1084 metres to the summit.

 ultimate hike ... follow the Karamea River to Greys Hut 6 hours, or 3 hours to Belltoun Hut on the Wangapeka Track, Katipo Shelter on the Heaphy Track 5 hours return.

 multi day ... Heaphy Track, Wangapeka Track, Leslie Karamea Track.

 others like the Zig Zag Tracks.

 best beach ... Scotts Beach southern paradise, white sand, palm trees and deep blue ocean, great for fishing

getting out there

I went for a walk the next day, to the Karamea River to fish for Kahawai, nothing at our usual spot so we trekked to the mouth, all up a two and a half hour stroll on the beach.
 First challenge, to cross the estuary at low tide, ankle deep and knee deep on the return.

 Feeling good the whole day, good exercise and no fish, filled my day pack with collectable pieces of driftwood to carve.

 With regular walks fitness will improve, carrying a load increases the stamina and strengthens the back and legs for longer hikes.

 a camera is a handy tool, as is a drink and a snack. I use a sketch pad and pencil to savour the moment.